Hello,
I have an 87 El Camino SS with a mildly built 305, I have noticed under certain conditions that it will surge, for example under full power with the A/C on in 2nd gear and 3rd gear I'll get a surge every once in a while not always. To me under normal and full it feels like something is holding back all the power from bieng realeasd to the tires but when the surge happens the feeling is "that's the power that should always be avaiable". My SS has a 200r4 tranny, it does not seem to slip, the shifts are a little "mushy" but not to bad. Does anybody have any idea why this is happening?

August

P.S.
I've looked thru all the vacum lines and replaced any that were suspect, I think they are all good, I do not here any vacum leaks while running or after shutting off.

 

If you only notice the problem with the AC operating, I'd guess that the compressor is cycling off and back on, causing a change in load.

 

Vader,
I agree about the A/C cycling on and off, but the power level goes from normal to that's how it should feel, NOT from normal to more of a dog. What else could it be? Thanks for the help.


August

 

O.K. I didn't read carefully and apparently understood it backward. If I grasp it now, you are saying that you feel like there is MORE power with the AC turned on? It may be a mixture control thing, but if I'm correct, your LC should have a carbureted engine, right? If so, the AC load shouldn't make a great deal of difference to mixture or spark advance.

 

Vader,
You are 100% correct, when the A/C is turned on in a W.O.T condition from a stand still it sometimes surges, those surges are what give the "more power" feeliing. Kinda strange huh. I am at a loss as to why this is happening. What else could it be? inquiring minds want to know.